Sosnick said he and Rasner recently approached New York general manager Brian Cashman and told him that Rasner would like to pitch in Japan, and that Cashman and scout Hiroshi Abei helped facilitate the deal.

"Brian made a big effort to make it happen," Sosnick said.

"He really bent over backwards to make this work for Darrell and his family."

Rasner, a second-round draft pick by Montreal in 2002, has a 9-15 record with a 5.00 ERA in four major league seasons.

After getting off to a 3-0 start for the Yankees last season, Rasner finished with a 5-10 record and a 5.40 ERA.